One of Japan’s Top 3 Gorges Turned Into an Art Tunnel?! My Mind-Blowing Trip to Kiyotsu Gorge
Travel Date: June 2022 (Cloudy skies, but the vibes? 100 out of 10!)
My destination this time was Kiyotsu Gorge, located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture.
It’s one of Japan’s “Three Great Gorges” along with Kurobe and Osugidani, and it’s known for its towering rock walls with stunning columnar joints that’ll leave you breathless.
But wait—this isn’t just a beautiful nature spot.
That’s where the real twist begins.
Back in 2018, during the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the entire tunnel running through Kiyotsu Gorge was redesigned as an immersive art experience.
Now it’s a full-on fusion of nature × contemporary art, and yes—it’s absolutely surreal.
Step Inside: A Tunnel That Tickles All Five Senses
As you enter the tunnel, you’re greeted by mysterious wall patterns and reflective mirror installations.
Designed by a group of Chinese architects, the space is based on the five natural elements—wood, earth, metal, fire, and water—and every few steps feel like walking into a different world.
Oh, and by the way… there’s a bathroom in here where you have to take your shoes off before entering.
It was so bizarrely popular, there was actually a line to get in. I ended up skipping it, but now I’m dying to know what it looked like inside. 
That Mirror Reflection at the Tunnel’s End = Pure Magic
Nearing the end of the tunnel, here comes the moment...
You might’ve seen it on Instagram: the reflective pool at the end of the walkway that perfectly mirrors the emerald river gorge outside.
Mountains flip upside down in the water’s reflection, the sky looks like a painting, and people line up just to snap the perfect shot.
And honestly? Worth every second of waiting.
The Oyaki That Almost Stole the Show
After the tunnel experience, I walked back toward the parking area when I caught a whiff of something delicious…
An old man was grilling “oyaki” (Japanese stuffed buns) on a hot iron plate, so of course I had to try one.
And let me tell you… I’m not exaggerating:
It was SO good, I nearly forgot about the tunnel.
The chewy outer skin, the piping hot savory filling—it was easily the surprise MVP of this trip.
If you ever go to Kiyotsu Gorge, do NOT skip this snack. It’s a must.
Nature, Art, and Oyaki—All in One Gorge-ous Place
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is where powerful natural beauty meets playful artistic design.
It’s the kind of place where every photo is Instagram gold, your soul gets a little buzz, and your stomach walks away satisfied too.
Not just a sightseeing spot—it’s a total sensory adventure.
I’m already planning my next visit in autumn when the leaves turn fiery red 
